In September 2025, the IDIWATER Acceleration Programme launched its open call, an initiative designed to support disruptive ideas and innovative solutions within the water sector.
Initial Results: 13 Applications Received and 7 Projects in Advanced Evaluation Stages
A total of 13 applications received up to date, of which 7 have progressed to the final stages of evaluation.
The geographical distribution of applicants reflects the programme’s international scope. From 13 applications received, 5 coming from the Canary Islands, 3 from mainland Spain, 3 from the United Kingdom, 1 from the United States, and 1 from Ethiopia.
In terms of technological maturity, the current portfolio presents a balanced mix of early-stage projects and more advanced solutions. Among the applications currently undergoing to advanced evaluation phases, three are identified as low Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), enabling them to benefit significantly from the programme’s consultancy and mentoring services. The remaining four projects demonstrate higher TRLs, which are well positioned to proceed with demonstration, validation, or testing activities in real-world environments.
Desalination and Network Management Lead Innovation Activity
The analysis of the 13 applications received reveals trends regarding innovation within the water sector.
Solutions related to desalination and water network management account for 85% of all applications submitted, confirming that these areas remain key priorities for improving water challenges, operational efficiency, and infrastructure sustainability.
Nevertheless, only 15% of applications focus specifically on agricultural water management, highlighting a potential opportunity for further innovation and development in this field.
Artificial Intelligence Takes a Leading Role in Water Sector Innovation
One of the most findings from the programme’s first months is the growing presence of advanced digital technologies. Nearly 46% of the applications received incorporate AI components, advanced data analytics, process optimisation tools, and data-driven decision-making capabilities.
This trend is consistent with developments observed internationally, where digitalisation is progressively transforming industries by improving plant operations, enabling early fault detection, supporting predictive infrastructure maintenance, and optimising energy consumption across processes.
The significant presence of AI-based solutions among the submitted proposals confirms that innovation in the water sector is no longer limited to the development of new treatment technologies. It is also evolving towards smarter, more efficient, and data-driven management models.
Open Call Available Until June 2027
The IDIWATER Acceleration Programme will continue accepting new applications until June 2027. During this period, startups, technology companies, research centres, universities, and entrepreneurs are invited to submit innovative solutions aligned with the programme’s thematic areas.
Interested organisations and professionals can review the participation guidelines and submit their applications through the programme platform:
https://www.desalinationlab.com/idiwater-acceleration-programme/
Since its launch, several promotional activities have been carried out to raise awareness of the initiative, including participation in international conferences such as the Global Water Summit 2026 (more information available at: https://www.desalinationlab.com/desal-living-lab-showcases-the-canary-islands-innovation-and-technology-acceleration-opportunities-at-the-global-water-summit-2026/).
With this ongoing open call, IDIWATER continues to strengthen its mission of accelerating innovation transfer and facilitating the validation of technologies with the potential to generate real-world impact.
The IDIWATER Acceleration Programme is an initiative of the IDIWATER project, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Interreg MAC 2021–2027 Programme.
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